West Viera: Your Guide To
West Viera: Your Guide To
West Viera: Your Guide To
YOUR GUIDE TO
West Viera
E X P A N S I O N
Dear Neighbor, Since the 1940s, my family has been blessed to be able to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife found on our Cocoa Ranch. For ve generations, the Ranch has been a great source of recreation and fellowship for our family, as well as a place for farming and ranching activities by our family-owned company, DUDA.
I can remember the days when the only access to the Ranch was from the south along an old dirt road. But a lot has changed over the past 60 years.
We witnessed the realities and patterns of growth in Brevard County and came to understand that, eventually, our beloved Ranch would oer a potential far beyond its value to our family alone. As the growth approached our Ranch, my family began to discuss the best way for us to share our land with the Brevard County community. After thoughtful consideration, we decided to develop a master-planned community, serving as master developer in order to ensure that our community would be planned and created with the same commitment to stewardship that has always guided our land activities. In 1989, our vision became Viera, which in our familys ancestral Slovak language means faith. Viera is now home to approximately 18,000 residents and employs over 5,500 people.
ay 2005 saw the beginning of the nal chapter in the visioning process for the Viera community as planning eorts began for an 11,567-acre tract of land on the Cocoa Ranch, now referred to as the West Viera Expansion Area. The Viera Companys master plan for this nal area of the Viera community includes a balance of protected lands, rural housing, centralized downtown/main street commercial district and innovative residential villages, each with a mixed-use center. The plan provides a long-term, comprehensive blueprint for the communitys growth, phasing in its development over time. The centerpiece of the West Viera expansion will be the creation of the 5,112-acre Viera Wilderness Park. Located adjacent to the 44,000-acre River Lakes Conservation Area, the wilderness park will provide a safe home for a variety of threatened and endangered species through the protection of habitats. Agricultural operations on this land, proven to be complementary in many ways to the protection of habitat for these species, will continue within designated areas of the park. While the vast wilderness park will provide homes to many threatened and endangered species, it will not provide any housing opportunities for humans. To address the popular demand of rural living, The Viera Company is proposing a limited area (500 acres) of residences bordering the park. These serene rural residences will be just minutes from lively urban areas of the community. For future generations, the Viera Town Center will dene Viera. Part of the West Viera expansion plan, the Viera Town Center will have a downtown/main street atmosphere, oering a pleasant mix of shops, parks, oces and residences. Located in the heart of Viera, between the government center and The Avenue Viera, the Viera Town Center will be the hub of future community activities and events. West Vieras residential areas will be planned around four Villages that centralize residential, civic and commercial areas. Each Village will be comprised of a collection of neighborhoods. Each neighborhood will be anchored by a centrally located park or other public-use facility called a neighborhood center. At least 50 percent of homes within a neighborhood will be within walking distance of a neighborhood center. The central neighborhood of a Village will be known as the Village Center. The Village Center will oer a diverse mix of housing types that will seamlessly blend with the shops,
oces, and spaces for civic activities. There will be more homes in and around the Village Center and fewer as you travel out toward the edge of each Village. The Village and Village Center design maximizes transportation eciency by centralizing essential shops and services for residents. The vision to complete Viera has a horizon that stretches out 20-plus years from today. In order to achieve the goals set forth for this master-planned community, The Viera Company understands that this comprehensive, longterm planning eort must be accompanied by a phased approach to its implementation. Over the remaining months of 2007, Viera will seek approval to begin development of the Town Center and the rst Village. Additional development beyond this phase of approval will require additional coordination and review from the county, as well as regional and state agencies. On the following pages, The Viera Company is proud to share in more detail its vision for the future of the Viera community and balanced approach to its realization.
Today, I am pleased to tell you about a new chapter in Vieras history that will fulfill our vision for the community. We call this new chapter West Viera.
Set on the western perimeter of the Viera property, West Viera is being planned as a harmonious extension of the existing community, yet will be unique unto itself. West Viera will bring a balance of urban and rural development, with much respect and great care given to the environment and surroundings. In keeping with our stewardship philosophy, 44 percent of the land will not be developed, but will serve as habitat for the areas wildlife, protect and enhance natural resources and provide continued agricultural operations for DUDA. The Viera Company, master developer of Viera, and a talented team of professionals from multiple disciplines have come together to prepare the comprehensive master plan for West Viera. Our goal is to create a vibrant community that will enrich the quality of life for all of our residents while preserving a part of our Duda family legacy. I hope this publication gives you a good rst look at what we envision for West Viera and hopefully begins to answer some of the questions you may have. Sincerely,
To hear more about the history of the land and West Viera Expansion from Joseph Duda, visit www.viera.com/westviera/josephduda
19 09
Slavia, Florida
est. 1994
20
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1950s
Andrew
W an es d t Vi bey er on a
Coming Soon Viera Health Park, under development by Health First, Inc. Ultimately, the new Health Park is expected to provide employment for 2,000 people.
Early 1900s Andrew Duda immigrates to America from the Slovak region of Europe.
1920s: Andrew and his sons, Andrew, Jr., John and Ferdinand, produce their rst cash cropcelery in the colony of Slavia in Central Florida, and A. Duda & Sons is born.
1940s: The three Duda brothers purchase 38,000 acres of property on Floridas east coast to begin a cattle operation. The property, named Cocoa Ranch, is one of many moves the company would make to diversify its agricultural products.
1970s: DUDA establishes its sod division at its home base in Oviedo, Florida. Sod operations start not long afterward on the Cocoa Ranch.
1980s: A new real estate development subsidiary, The Viera Company, is created to develop commercial centers and master-planned residential communities. Viera means faith in Slovak and is chosen by the Duda family because it embodies the familys heritage and evokes visions of the future.
2007: Viera is a community of approximately 18,000 residents, 87 businesses and 5,500 jobs.
09
Lake Poinsett
The Viera Wilderness Park was planned with open space planning and conservation in mind. Imagine a wilderness area the size of Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Indialantic and Melbourne Beach combined. Now, imagine it just west of Vieras proposed mixed-use villages extending westward to the River Lakes Conservation Area. 5,112 acres committed to intensive environmental management Intended to buer the adjacent conservation area and preserve high-quality upland and wetland systems in their entirety Encompasses nearly 44 percent of the expansion area Provide a habitat for protected animal species, including: the American bald eagle, Audubons crested caracara, Floridas sandhill crane, the burrowing owl and the gopher tortoise The goalto assure the long-term protection and enhancement of Vieras natural resources Continued agricultural operations, carefully managed in accordance with a Habitat Management Plan to maintain and enhance habitat vital to protected species Managed by the Viera Stewardship District which was created by the Florida legislature in 2006 to provide community infrastructure and ensure the long-term stewardship of environmental and conservation resources within the expansion area
3
America n bald ea gle
Overlooking the manicured greens of Durans 9-hole short course and driving range, Vieras Town Center will be the place for residents to gather and meet their neighbors. A true town center, with apartments and oces above retail shops, Vieras unique downtown will oer places to live, work, shop and play, all within walking distance. The following elements will work together to create a strong sense of place that will be distinctively Viera. Main Street Stores: Unique shops, plus personal and business services Dining: Fine dining and casual restaurant choices will be plentiful with outdoor seating available Ample Business Space: A diversity of businesses will nd the perfect location to set up shop Meeting and Lodging Space: A hotel and potential business meeting center are planned
Audobons cr caracara
ested
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Fiske Blvd.
owl
Mixed-Use: Roomy residential apartments and townhomes will be located above Town Center shops
Stadium Par
Lake Winder
kway
le r So
d. o Blv I-95
Outdoor Activities and Events: An amphitheater and open-air pavilion will host year-round cultural and civic events, such as: live theater, music, art festivals, and a farmers market
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1 2
Wickham
4
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2 3
I-95
Pineda
Sta dium
An dre w
The Viera Company has designated 500 acres bordering the Viera Wilderness Park for rural residences. These homes will provide a unique opportunity for rural living only a few minutes from more urban areas of the community.
Parkway
Dr ive
VILLAGE ONE
Lak e
4 Community Park
West Viera Expansion Area
Lake Wa
DUDA Sod Farm
shington
All plans shown are conceptual only, are subject to governmental approvals and market factors, are subject to change at any time without notice, and are not to scale. All plans are not intended to be, and shall not constitute or be deemed to be, a representation or warranty of any kind or nature whatsoever.
Barnes Blvd.
Q.
A.
I-95
Q.
A.
Will everything presented in the West Viera plan be approved and built at one time?
No. Even though The Viera Company is creating a master plan for West Viera, subsequent phases will require additional coordination and review with the county as well as regional and state agencies.
Solerno Blvd
your trails and sidewalks link job home to your park, to your lance. West Viera is planned for ba
Q.
A.
Wickham @ Baytree
Wickham Road
US1 @ Suntree
Q.
A.
What impact will West Viera have on the environment? How has this been accounted for in planning?
The Viera Company has proposed the 5,112 acre Viera Wilderness Park in West Viera for wildlife corridors, habitat for certain threatened species and ongoing agriculture. We are protecting and enhancing both wetlands and uplands on this land, which encompasses almost half of the West Viera property.
a DRI Current Vier a and West Vier rea Expansion A
Wickham Road
US
I-95
Wickham @ Pineda
Q.
A.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPOSED PHASE 3 PROGRAM WILL COMMIT THE VIERA COMPANY TO FUNDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FOLLOWING IMPROVEMENTS, AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF OVER $50 MILLION:
s Pineda C
wy.
Wickham Road
Built with conservation in mind, the responsible stewardship of our resources ensures that Vieras natural beauty can be enjoyed now and for generations to come.
Q.
A.
1 Wickham Road widen to six (6) lanes from Lake Andrew to Murrell add a north-bound left turn lane at the Baytree Intersection add a south-bound left turn lane at the Lake Washington Intersection add a west-bound right turn lane at the Aurora Road Intersection add a south-bound left turn lane at the Pineda Causeway Intersection Murrell Road and Barnes Boulevard Intersection - Provide left turn lanes for east-bound, north-bound and south-bound trac
Q.
A.
3 Fiske Boulevard - Widen to six lanes from DRI boundary to Barnes Boulevard 4 Viera Boulevard - Widen to four lanes from US-1 to eastern DRI boundary (near Murrell Road) 5 Washingtonia Extension - A new regional north-south road running parallel to
I-95 (Right of way for a four lane road will extend from Pineda Causeway to Ellis Road the initial construction will include a two lane road extending from the Pineda Causeway to Eau Gallie Boulevard)
Intersection Improvements
Aurora
Wickham @ Aurora
CURRENT/PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
Stadium Parkway, Projected Start 2007/Completion 2008 - Widening of Stadium Parkway from Solerno Boulevard to the north DRI boundary (4 lanes) Viera Blvd. Overpass/Extension, Projected Completion 2007 - 4-lane bridge and extension and widening of Viera Boulevard from the east DRI boundary to Stadium Parkway (4-lane roadway) Stadium Parkway, Projected Completion 2006 - Widening of Stadium Parkway from Fran Jamieson Way to Solerno Boulevard (4 lanes) and extension from Fran Jamieson Way to Wickham Road (2-lane roadway) Lake Andrew Drive, Projected Start 2007/Completion 2009 - Extension of Lake Andrew Drive from Judge Fran Jamieson Way to Stadium Parkway
Q.
A.
I-95, Projected Start 2008/Completion 2010 - Widening of I-95 to 6 lanes by Florida Department Of Transportation Pineda Causeway Extension and I-95 Interchange, Projected Start 2008 Extension of Pineda Causeway (4-lane roadway) and full interchange construction
Ellis Road
All plans shown are conceptual only, are subject to governmental approvals and market factors, are subject to change at any time without notice, and are not to scale. All plans are not intended to be, and shall not constitute or be deemed to be, a representation or warranty of any kind or nature whatsoever.
FA S T FA C T S Nearly half of the available land will remain undeveloped, protecting wildlife and natural resources for future Brevard residents (44%) Over $200 million in annual projected revenue will be generated for Brevard County when the project is complete Road improvements totaling over $50 million will be paid for by The Viera Company Approximately 20% less units will be built by The Viera Company than currently allowed in the Brevard County Comprehensive Plan, decreasing the potential impact on area resources The Viera Wilderness Park habitat will provide long-term protection for many of Brevards birds and animals, including: American bald eagle, Audubons crested caracara, Floridas sandhill cranes, burrowing owls and the gopher tortoise The new Central Viera re station facility is currently being planned and will be constructed by The Viera Company, similar to the current station on Murrell Road Greater diversity in housing styles, sizes and prices to meet dierent needs of Brevard County Residents QUALITY OF LIFE Signicant conservation was a key theme in the planning Communities designed to be walkable at short distances Designed for the way you live: Neighborhoods are connected, and the businesses you need are close to home Created for outdoor enjoyment: Wide sidewalks, trails, interesting streetscapes and public architecture encourage biking and walking P O S I T I V E E C O N O M I C B E N E F I T S T O B R E VA R D C O U N T Y (Annual Estimates at Completion) $90.7 million in ad valorem tax revenue $133.8 million in impact fees paid to Brevard County $3 million approximately, in document stamp and intangible tax revenue Millions in additional estimated sales tax revenue TRAFFIC RELIEF Over $50 million in road improvements will be funded by The Viera Company, including improvements to: Wickham Road Viera Boulevard Murrell Road and Barnes Boulevard Intersection Fiske Boulevard Washingtonia Extension Pineda Interchange See previous page for more information. M O R E E D U C AT I O N The Viera Company is prepared to donate land for four new schools to accommodate Vieras development. Two elementary schools One middle school One high school
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F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N A N D C O N T I N U I N G U P D AT E S O N W E S T V I E R A D E V E L O P M E N T S , P L E A S E V I S I T:
www.viera.com/westviera